When two nonmetals bond together, they form a covalent bond. This type of bond involves the sharing of electrons between the atoms to achieve a stable electron configuration.
In a covalent bond, each nonmetal atom contributes one or more electrons to the shared pair. This sharing allows both atoms to fill their outer electron shells, making them more stable. For example, in a molecule of water (H2O), the oxygen atom shares electrons with two hydrogen atoms, forming covalent bonds.
Covalent bonds can be either polar or nonpolar. In a polar covalent bond, the electrons are shared unequally, leading to a slight charge separation. In a nonpolar covalent bond, the electrons are shared equally, resulting in no charge separation.
Overall, covalent bonding is essential for the formation of many molecules, including those that make up living organisms.